The rise of femtech 

Femtech, short for female technology, is a rapidly growing sector focused on developing technology to address women’s health issues. This industry is revolutionising healthcare for women by providing data-driven insights, innovative products, and more personalised care. 

In recent years, this industry has gained significant traction, attracting billions in investment and expanding into diverse areas such as wearable health trackers, period and fertility apps, menopause support, and even AI-driven diagnostic tools. As this industry grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can deliver solutions tailored to women’s health needs.

The rise of female-focused health technology reflects a growing recognition of the importance of women’s health. It’s addressing long-standing gaps in medical research and care. Women’s health issues have been underfunded and poorly understood for years, but this shift is driving technological progress. It’s not only improving health outcomes but also empowering women to better understand and manage their own health. The growing interest from investors and healthcare providers signals that this sector is no longer a niche market, it’s becoming a major player in the global healthcare industry.

Why women’s health technology is thriving

Although women make up half of the global population, research and investment in women’s health have long received insufficient funding and attention. The femtech market is projected to exceed $60 billion by 2027, signalling rapid industry growth.

Femtech addresses critical gaps in healthcare, from improving diagnosis accuracy for conditions like endometriosis to providing better support for maternal health and menopause. By combining technology with healthcare expertise, femtech is empowering women to take control of their health like never before. 

This industry also plays a crucial role in shifting the healthcare narrative. Historically, healthcare has been largely centred around male physiology, often leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate care for women. Femtech solutions aim to close this gap by focusing on female-specific health issues, providing better access to care, and improving health outcomes. This sector is not just about creating products – it’s about improving lives. 

Key roles in femtech 

As femtech expands, so does the need for diverse talent with a range of technical, medical, and business skills. Here are five key roles that are essential to driving progress in the industry: 

1. Product managers 

Product managers in femtech are responsible for guiding the development of health-focused applications and devices from concept to launch. They work closely with developers, designers, and medical professionals to ensure that products are functional, user-friendly, and compliant with healthcare regulations. 

Key skills: 

• Strategic thinking and market analysis 

• Understanding of healthcare regulations 

• Strong communication and leadership skills 

2. Data scientists 

Data scientists play a crucial role in analysing health data to identify patterns, predict health outcomes, and personalise healthcare solutions. In femtech, they help build algorithms for fertility tracking, cycle prediction, and more effective diagnostics. 

Key skills: 

• Statistical analysis and machine learning 

• Data privacy and security expertise 

• Experience with health-focused datasets 

3. Clinical researchers 

Clinical researchers in femtech are tasked with designing and running clinical trials to validate new products and treatments. Their work ensures that products meet medical standards and provide real-world benefits to users. 

Key skills: 

• Research methodology and clinical trial design 

• Understanding of medical ethics and patient care 

• Data interpretation and reporting 

4. UX/UI designers 

User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers are essential for creating intuitive, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing femtech applications. Since many of these products involve sensitive health data, trust and ease of use are critical. 

Key skills: 

• Human-centred design principles 

• Mobile and web design expertise 

• Understanding of healthcare user behaviour 

5. Regulatory and compliance specialists 

Femtech products often require medical certification and must comply with healthcare regulations. Regulatory and compliance specialists ensure that products meet legal standards and protect user data. 

Key skills: 

• Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations 

• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies 

• Communication with healthcare authorities 

Sought-after skills in femtech 

To succeed in femtech, professionals need a blend of technical expertise, healthcare knowledge, and business acumen. The most sought-after skills in this industry include: 

AI and machine learning 

AI is at the heart of many solutions, from cycle-tracking algorithms to personalised treatment plans. Expertise in machine learning and AI-driven healthcare solutions is highly valuable.

Healthcare knowledge

A strong understanding of women’s health, reproductive health, and medical research is essential for developing products that meet the unique needs of female users.

Data privacy and security

With these products handling sensitive health data, protecting user privacy and complying with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR) is critical. 

Medical device and wearable technology expertise

The rise of wearable health trackers and at-home diagnostic tools has increased the demand for professionals who understand both the hardware and software aspects of these products.

Cross-functional collaboration

Femtech products often require collaboration between healthcare professionals, data scientists, developers, and designers. The ability to work acrosss disciplines is essential for success.

Reshaping women’s healthcare

While femtech offers immense potential, it also faces some key challenges: 

• Funding gap – Despite its growth, femtech still struggles to secure the same level of funding as other tech sectors. 

• Medical bias – Research and development in women’s health have historically been underfunded, resulting in gaps in data and understanding. 

• Regulation and compliance – Navigating the complex landscape of healthcare regulations can slow down product development. 

• Cultural stigma – Women’s health issues like menstruation and menopause remain taboo in some cultures, limiting awareness and market adoption. 

However, the opportunities outweigh the challenges. As more investors recognise the potential of femtech and more women enter the tech and healthcare industries, the sector is poised for a major breakthrough. Increased focus on diversity and inclusion within the tech sector is also driving more innovation and better understanding of women’s health needs. 

The future of femtech 

Femtech represents more than just a market opportunity – it’s a chance to reshape healthcare for women worldwide. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of women’s health, the sector is poised to deliver meaningful, life-changing solutions. 

As this industry continues to grow, the demand for skilled professionals will only increase. Whether you’re a data scientist, a clinical researcher, or a UX designer, there’s a place for you in this revolution. 

Start your hiring project today with Venquis. Whether you’re expanding your femtech team or hiring for key tech roles, we’ll help you find the talent you need to deliver your next project.